Monday, August 1, 2011

Review: Sade and John Legend at TWC Arena

"It’s taken 25 years to get here Charlotte,” Sade said after opening her set Sunday at Time Warner Cable Arena with the Grammy winning 2010 single “Soldier of Love.” “Tonight we’ll make up for the lost days and years.” And boy did she. The Nigerian-born beauty, who looks nowhere near her 52 years, sang over twenty songs in two hours hitting on several tracks from 2010’s comeback album “Soldier of Love” as well as her biggest hits.

She and her band may be best remembered for earlier hits like 1985’s “Sweetest Taboo” and “Smooth Operator,” but there was never the sense that that’s the only thing the crowd was waiting on. Sure those songs were met with their share of excitement, but so were album tracks like “Is It a Crime” and “Jezebel” (both from 1985’s “Promise”). She floated from the loungey jazz of “Skin” to the sultry world feel of “Love is Stronger than Pride” to the pop-funk of “Paradise” to the dark, meaty world music of “Love is Found” (from the new double disc “Ultimate Collection”). Like “Soldier,” the latter hinted at hip-hop with her playful vocals.

The crowd included Lenny Kravitz, reportedly in town to film “The Hunger Games.” He drew eyes and cell phone cameras to the middle of the arena during the between act set change. The set for Sade was a blank stage that could morph to suit each song. The animated film noir scene that introduced “Smooth Operator” was particularly well done with its vivid cityscape and train running across the screen. At other times classic red drapes flanked the stage.

Changes in production were as subtle as Sade’s ability to drift between R&B, jazz, pop, and world music. She joined her backup singers for the simple and short “All About Our Love” as scenes of the group on tour rolled on the screen. She returned to them for a bit of booty shaking on “Paradise.”

She started the show dressed in black singing “Your Love Is King” and “Kiss of Life.” She wore the same severe ponytail and hoop earrings as she did as an unlikely MTV star in the `80s. During “Bring Me Home” she and the band performed behind a cheesecloth-like screen with projections rolling in front of and behind them. This ghostly effect was repeated later when she emerged in a sparkling white evening gown, hair down, for the final portion of the show (pictured above) that included “Morning Bird,” “King of Sorrow,” “Sweetest Taboo” and “No Ordinary Love.” The latter was another crowd favorite elevated by its punchy guitars.

The combination of skilled, but subtle musicianship (even showy solos were tasteful), seamless production, and Sade’s demeanor and voice created a timeless class act.

John Legend warmed up the crowd similarly. Songs like “P.D.A.” were sexy, but never raunchy. He opened with Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” juggling piano ballads with Motown-style soul throughout the set. He serenaded one lady (Nikki Waddell) on stage with “Slow Dance” before sending her off with a rose. She swooned as did the crowd later for “This Time” and “Everybody Knows” (both from 2008's "Evolver").

Legend was given ample time, which was appropriate considering the Grammy winner’s status as a hit maker in his own right and his history in Charlotte. It was nice to see him playing one of the city’s largest venues after playing Amos’ Southend in its pre-renovation days and more recently Ovens Auditorium. He explained that his bassist fell ill right before the show forcing the nine-piece band to go on without part of its rhythm section. Before launching into the one-two punch finale of “So High” (from his first album) and “Greenlight” he joked: “I don’t want reviewers saying, ‘What’s wrong with John Legend’s band?'”

what a great, great show...the tailoring of her stage for each song was outstanding. i was really pleased for such an extensive setlist. she played over 20 songs flawlessly, unlike many other bands these days....truly hope she comes back again next time around.

Sade's voice was beautiful and amazingly unchanged by time. The sound system seemed off (bass heavy at times) and levels tended to drown out her voice. Was not a fan of he constant changes in screen imagery behind the band, which after awhile became irritating. Legend gave a great performance!!

I loved it. She is a do not miss. I last saw her at then, Blockbuster Pavillion with Digable Planets opening. It was in the early 90's. You can fill an arena without being ever present in the tabloids. Extremely sexy while being covered, and no "booty popping" or being onstage in panties or a bathing suit! It's not her age, she never did that or had to. Today's artists could learn alot from her.

Awesome show and nice review!! Sade is timeless. (Oh yeah, it didnt take Sade 25 years to get back to CLT as she said - it only took 18; She appeared at Blockbuster Pavilion in 1993 with Digable Planets (another fab show!).

@Kat Yeah that was strange about the 25 yrs. comment. She may have been talking to me as it was almost exactly 25 years since I saw her for my first and only time before last night in Toronto (summer 86) If my memory serves me. (can't find any record of the show)

Gorgeous show! John Legend was so smooth, I can listen to him all night. I saw Sade when she was here last time and that show was brilliant and beautiful. It was the reason I wanted to see her again. She is such a soul griping performer. Compared to what the newer artist do on their tours today, Sade can teach them a lesson in less is more. I hope it doesn't take another 10+ years for her to visit again.

Well dang! I guess I will go to Greensboro September 10th to see this show since I havent heard one bad thing about it! But again how can you say anything bad about Sade other then it taking so long to come back! (-;

It was an amazing concert. We have been very fortunate to get great concerts at Time Warner Cable Arena. I can now check her off of my bucket list, but I might just travel to Greensboro in September to see her one more time!

Thought you pronounce the name "shahday." It's on Wiki. Timeless talented singer. No1 can compare to her. She did a live duet with Alisha Keys in NYC. She is not in the same league vocally. Thought it was terrible. John Legen was so-so act.

In reply to Anonymous 1:29 p.m. - I've found that artists usually only allow photographers to shoot the first few songs that's why I included the little cell phone shot of her in the white dress during the finale.

This was one of the Best shows I've ever seen. I say one of the best because the other was Sade at Radio City Music Hall in the mid 80's. She is simply the GREATEST performer, ever. A true "Smooth Operator" who I am seriously considering going to see again next month in Greensboro. Can't wait for the DVD.

To Anonymous' 12:49 a.m. comment: You can believe Wiki all you want, because everyone who knows anything knows that Wiki can be edited and changed. Sade's name in her bio is clearly shown as (shar-day) as the correct pronunciation. Besides, I don't know what concert you were at, but to compare Sade with Alicia Keys is like comparing apples to oranges. There is NO comparision! Sade is timeless and classy and has a powerful beautiful voice at 52 years young!

Always a class act. I've never missed a performance since she started coming to the states. I was ready to head to MD or NJ until I heard she was actually playing here. I may make it up to Greensboro for an encore - she may be an AARP card carrying member by the time we see her here again considering how long between albums :-). Luv U Helen Folasade Adu!!

TRANSCENDENT! Her concerts are always godlike! Or should I say, goddesslike? I brought all of my loved ones (Luigi et al!) with me (in one form or another) including my brother and mother. My dear mom may have been the eldest of the crowd, and she loved it!!! Sade delivered on all fronts; show, visuals, song choice. Her band is stellar! One of my faves! Sade cuts to the heart of matters, and takes anyone who truly listens to a deeper place. In this world of so-called divas, Sade is actually divine! She pulls from higher sources. Thank you Sade for your art! Please keep it coming! Oh, and John Legend, with whom I was not very familiar, rocked the house like crazy during warmup! He's kind of like a modern day Al Green!